Basement sink project

[Jmeyers]

In my basement I have an old laundry double sink that I thought would make a great minnow tank for my left over minnows I save from the lake. So this weekend when I got back from the ice I filled up one side of the sink and let it sit until room temperature, then just dumped my minnows in. When I came back about 2 hours later I found all of my minnows floating.

I wondered if it was because i used tap water but couldn't be too sure so I wanted to see if anyone has ever taken on similar projects or had any advice on what the problem may be and how to go about making it a small functional tank?

[Crm7290]

drain the water the dead minnows were in, then refilll it and let it sit for a couple of days so the chorine/ whatever is used to purify it can get out. Then try to put in minnows

[Jim Almquist]

You also could have killed them by going from very cold to luke warm water. You might be better served with a Styrofoam cooler and a small aerator and if you have city water you might want to take a few water jugs to the lake so you can change the water mid-week. If your minnows are coming in from the cold let that water warm up before you transfer them into the cooler.

[Ralph Wiggum]

If you're on city water, the chlorine will kill minnows pretty quick. Just got to a store with aquarium supplies and get chlorine remover. Works like a charm.

Could also be that there was residue (soap, cleaners, etc) in the tub. My tub is concrete--who knows what has been put in there in the last 47 years that can leach into the water.

[BobT]

You should also consider adding an aerator to the sink. The warm water will cause them to use oxygen and depleat it faster and the aerator can help prolong their life. Also, change water regularly.

[Jmeyers]

Thanks for all the ideas guys. I think the plan is to let the water sit for a few days, get some chlorine remover, and maybe bring home a few buckets of lake water for replacment water. An aerator isn't a bad idea as well so when I buy the chlorine remover I'll ask how much a cheap one is. Thanks again!

[BobT]

I just use one of those made for aquariums. Bringing lake water home is good for providing food for the minnows too in the form of algae and other micro-organisms.

[jigginjerk]

I'm not positive, but I think it's illegal to transport lake water. Because of invasive species.

[Pat K]

From the MN DNR web site:

Regulations on transport of infested water

The following regulations apply to the transportation of water from infested waters (violations are misdemeanors or civil penalties of $50 to $200):

* water from infested waters may not be used to transport fish except by permit;

* persons leaving infested waters that contain populations of spiny waterflea or zebra mussels must drain bait containers, other boating-related equipment (excluding marine sanitary systems) that holds water, and livewells and bilges by removing the drain plug before transporting the watercraft and associated equipment on public roads ($50 civil penalty or misdemeanor);

* water from infested waters may not be transported on a public road or off riparian property on infested waters except in emergencies or under permit ($200 civil penalty or misdemeanor).

[Jmeyers]

Good looking out guys, thanks!

[crothmeier]

i keep my minnows alive with a $4 walmart aerator in a 5 gallon pail. i change my water out with city water right out of the exterior faucet (not soft water). biggest thing I've found is the temperature difference, keep the water as close to the same temp as possible.